Why won't my computer boot up always but the power light is on?

Question

I have an old computer.aaaahhhhhh

When I press the button to turn it on nothing happens but the green power light is on. After pressing the button many times it will suddenly come on and boot up as though nothing was the matter. Why?? and does this mean one day it will not come on at all? It has happened tonight - I always worry that I am going to lose all my work.

Please help (but pretend you are talking to a 6 yr old as I am not too technical where computers are concerned!!!!)

Answer 1

It sounds to me as though your power switch isn't making contact.  You probably just need a new switch/case.

Answer 2

old .old as you< next time you shut it off.turn off everything.monitor printer ... and computer.unplug or switch power of completely.with the power off press and hold power button.10 sec. .turn it on(plug inswitch on) let it start.then turn on monitor and other items.giving time for them to be recognized by the computer.

          

Answer 3

Get Ernie or Bert to come over and fix it.

OK, seriously, there's probably a problem with the button on your input/output panel.  Try pushing it at different angles.  

I don't recommend this except as a last resort to back-up your data but:  If you have to you can open the case and pop the battery (looks like one for a car remote) out to get it to start like it's hot-wired.